Sixers trying to stay positive, eliminate bad stretches amid skid

Posted by Admin November 9, 2024 Sports

LOS ANGELES — This 2024-25 season for the Philadelphia 76ers has been more of a nightmare than a dream to begin the season. They have lost five in a row, are 1-7 following a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers, and have yet to see all three of their star trio touch the floor together.

Joel Embiid has yet to play due to first an injury and then a league suspension stemming from an altercation with a reporter. Paul George missed the first five games of the season due to a bone bruise in his left knee. Tyrese Maxey is now missing time due to a right hamstring strain.

Yet, there could be light at the end of the tunnel. There are still 74 games left to get this thing right and they’re only three games back of the No. 3 seed in the East. Embiid will return on Tuesday from his suspension and he will fix a lot of things for this group.

“I mean, just remain positive,” George said. “Just remain positive. We have one of the best big men in the game coming back to join us. Tyrese will get healthy and then we’ll finally be a complete team that can start to build and figure out who we really are at that point.”

The NBA season is a long one. There will be ups and downs as time goes on. Right now, the Sixers are in a down time. Nothing has really gone right. However, there’s still a ton of time to make sure they do get right.

“So it’s just a lot of being positive and optimistic about—the ship hasn’t sunk,” George added. “We’re still positive. We’re still showing up. Trying to get prepared to win games. I think it’s just more focus, a little more attention to detail, and just continue to grow with confidence that this thing can change.”

Things would turn around quicker if the Sixers could put together more consistent efforts. There have been plenty of times when Philadelphia would be in a tight contest before stringing together a couple of really bad possessions which allows the other team to go on a run. All of a sudden, a 2-point game is now a double digit deficit.

“I think it always happens when we have dry moments offensively and teams get aggressive,” George added. “Especially, in transition. Getting downhill, making plays, and trying to stretch the game out. Before you know it, it might be a 2-point game and now it’s eight points. Another two minutes of not putting together good offensive possessions together and now we’re down 14 points so it’s just, I think, we gotta—it’s kinda both ends we gotta figure out. Getting good defensive stops and then just playing sound offensively. Creating good opportunities.”

George and the Sixers will have to go back home, regroup, and prepare for a pesky Charlotte Hornets team on Sunday. When considering the tough start, this game almost seems like a must-win in November.